Red Sox to skip struggling Dice-K's turn in rotation  —  BOSTON (AP) — Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka will skip his next turn in the rotation while the team tries to figure out what's wrong with him.  —  Matsuzaka's day to pitch would have been Thursday, but that's also the day John Smoltz …

Cashman made decision to sit A-Rod … MIAMI — Yankees general manager Brian Cashman ordered superstar third baseman Alex Rodriguez be rested here Friday and Saturday after a conference call of Yankee bosses, including team owner Hal Steinbrenner, medical personnel and Rodriguez himself, people familiar with the situation tell SI.com.

Phillies' Howard ailing, games streak in jeopardy … PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Phillies slugger Ryan Howard's consecutive games streak is in jeopardy after he was hospitalized with flu symptoms.  —  The 2006 National League MVP has played 342 straight games since May 25, 2007, the longest active streak in the majors.

Brewers tried, but didn't see Pedro pitch  —  Brewers general manager Doug Melvin confirmed a report that he sent a scout to watch free agent right-hander Pedro Martinez work out in the Dominican Republic on Friday.  —  The Brewers sent two scouts, in fact.  But they never saw Pedro pitch.

SOURCES: YANKEES SIGN DOMINICAN CATCHER GARY SANCHEZ FOR $2.5M  —  MIAMI — According to several connections in the Dominican Republic, the Yankees and catching prospect Gary Sanchez have agreed to a $2.5 million deal.  —  Sanchez, 16, isn't eligible to sign until July 2 …

Angels sign Randal Grichuk  —  Grichuk, a 17-year-old high school outfielder and the Angels' top pick, will receive a $1.225 million bonus.  —  The Angels signed their top pick in the June 9 draft, 17-year-old high school outfielder Randal Grichuk, to a bonus of $1.225 million on Saturday.

Royals send struggling Davies down to Triple-A  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have sent struggling right-hander Kyle Davies to Triple-A Omaha and activated reliever Robinson Tejeda off the 15-day disabled list.  —  The Royals announced the moves on Saturday before their game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

No salary dump mode for O's, MacPhail says  —  He expects lots of trade talk with team in last place  —  PHILADELPHIA - With his team mired in last place in the American League East and a roster that includes several players eligible for free agency after the season, Orioles president …

DETROIT TIGERS BASEBALL  —  Tigers manager Jim Leyland has strong words for agent Scott Boras  —  Jim Leyland thinks Scott Boras should stay out of his business.  —  A day after Boras, the agent for Magglio Ordonez, questioned why the Tigers had taken Ordonez out of the lineup …

Red Sox vs. Braves: With help from his ex-Atlanta teammates, Nick Green taps into secret of success  —  BOSTON — Career utility infielders don't suddenly become starting shortstops for the best team in the league without something big changing.  There's always a drastic reinvention …

Don't count on any help, Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg says  —  NEW YORK — The Rays were unlikely to spend any money on in-season acquisitions anyway.  The cost of replacing injured players such as 2B Akinori Iwamura and RHP Troy Percival make it even less likely.

Aaron urges more black participation in baseball  —  Buzz up!  —  CINCINNATI (AP)—Hall of Fame slugger Hank Aaron called on Major League Baseball on Friday to do more to increase participation by blacks in the game.  —  Aaron attended a panel discussion at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center …